Camera housing with integrated expansion module

ABSTRACT

A camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/187,708 filed on Jun. 20, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/132,554, now abandoned, filed on Dec. 18,2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/665,594, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,638,392, filed on Oct. 31, 2012, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/469,926, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,325,270, filed May 11, 2012, which is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/498,890, now U.S. Pat. No.8,199,251, filed Jul. 7, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/078,756, filed on Jul. 7, 2008,the contents of which are each hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This disclosure relates to a camera housing, and more specifically, to acamera housing with an integrated expansion module for adding expandedfeatures to an existing camera.

2. Description of the Related Arts

The problem of conveniently carrying, accessing, and using a cameraunder various operating conditions has existed since the beginning ofhand-held photography. It has become even more of a problem in recentyears as a growing number of photographers attempt to take actionphotographs or videos while participating in fast-paced physicalactivities such as surfing, snorkeling, skiing, mountain biking,kayaking, rafting and so on.

In order to accommodate photography during such physical activities,camera manufacturers have produced cameras that are simple to operate,low cost, lightweight, and have compact form factors. These cameras canbe secured using various mounts, harnesses, or straps to allow a user tokeep one or more hands free for the physical activity. For example,camera wrist strap systems are available that provide a compact andlightweight camera together with a strap for securing the camera to auser's wrist. This configuration allows the user to easily access,operate, and then quickly secure the camera. Furthermore, the camera issmall and light enough that it does not handicap the user while engagingin physical activity. Alternatively, helmet style camera systems allow auser to mount a compact and lightweight camera to a helmet. Other typesof camera systems may include mounts for securing a camera to a bumperor windshield of a car to capture images or video while driving.

While such camera systems have become increasingly popular amongphotographers, these camera systems often lack features available inmore traditional cameras. For example, wrist-mounted or helmet mountedcamera systems often lack display screens in order to keep the camerasystems small, lightweight, and low cost. While features such as adisplay screen may be desirable in some scenarios, it may not be usefulin others scenarios. For example, a display screen would not be usefulwhen the camera is mounted to a helmet, but may be useful when thecamera is strapped to a wrist. Thus, a user may be reluctant to purchasea camera that includes the feature, particularly if the feature adds tothe cost, physical size, and weight of the camera. Furthermore, ascamera manufacturers produce cameras with new and/or improved features,users may become frustrated by the need to periodically purchase newcameras in order to have the new features available to them. There islacking, inter alia, a camera system that provides expanded electronicfunctionality to an existing camera.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which willbe more readily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a illustrates a first view of an embodiment of a camera housingwith a door in an open position.

FIG. 1b illustrates a second view of an embodiment of a camera housingwith a door in an open position.

FIG. 1c illustrates a third view of an embodiment of a camera housingwith a door in an open position.

FIG. 2a illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera housing witha door in an closed position.

FIG. 2b illustrates a second view of an embodiment a camera housing witha door in an closed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an embodiment a camera housing with a doordetached from the housing.

FIG. 4 illustrates a various embodiment of expansion modules for usewith the camera system.

FIG. 5a illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera housing withan integrated display module.

FIG. 5b illustrates a second view of an embodiment a camera housing withan integrated display module.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of camera system with a shotpositioning module communicatively coupled to a remote preview screen.

FIG. 7a illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera with anexpansion module detached from the camera body.

FIG. 7b illustrates a second view of an embodiment a camera with anexpansion module detached from the camera body.

FIG. 8a illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera with anexpansion module attached to the camera body in an open position.

FIG. 8b illustrates a second view of an embodiment a camera with anexpansion module attached to the camera body in an open position.

FIG. 9a illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera with anexpansion module attached to the camera body in an closed position.

FIG. 9b illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera with anexpansion module attached to the camera body in an closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures (FIGS.) and the following description relate to preferredembodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that fromthe following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures andmethods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viablealternatives that may be employed without departing from the principlesof what is claimed.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted thatwherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used inthe figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figuresdepict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes ofillustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromthe following description that alternative embodiments of the structuresand methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing fromthe principles described herein.

Configuration Overview

A camera system comprises a first portion of a camera housing structuredto partially enclose a removable camera, and a second portion of acamera housing (i.e. a door) detachable from the first portion. Thefirst portion of the camera housing includes a front face, a top face, abottom face, a left side face, and a right side face. The door includesa back face structured to house an expansion module for interfacing withthe camera to perform a camera function. An outer hinge structurelocated on a bottom edge of the door detachably couples to an innerhinge structure located on the bottom edge of the first portion of thehousing. The outer and inner hinge structures form a hinge when coupledsuch that the door pivotally attaches to the first portion of thehousing about the hinge. A first fastening structure is located on thetop face of the first portion of the camera housing and detachablycouples to a second fastening structure located on the top edge of theremovable door such that the door is secured to the first portion of thecamera housing in a closed position when the first fastening structureis coupled to the second fastening structure. An expansion interfacecable communicatively couples to the expansion module for detachablycoupling to a camera interface on the camera. The expansion interfacecable facilitates communication of data between the expansion module andthe camera when coupled to execute the camera function.

In a second aspect, an apparatus comprises a first housing portionhaving a front face with four sides structured to form a cavity toreceive an electronic device, and a second housing portion detachablycoupled with the first housing portion opposite the front face of thefirst housing portion. The first and second housing portion arecollectively structured to enclose the electronic device within thecavity. The second housing portion further includes electronicsincluding a communications interface. An interface cable has a firstcoupling interface for communicatively coupling the communicationinterface of the second housing portion and a second coupling interfacefor communicatively coupling the electronic device. The interface cablefacilitates communication between the electronic device and theelectronics within the second housing portion.

In a third aspect, a camera system comprises a camera body housing acamera. An expansion module detachably couples to the camera body forinterfacing with the camera to perform a camera function. A firstportion of a hinge structure positioned near an edge of the camera bodydetachably couples with a second portion of a hinge structure positionednear an edge of the expansion module. The first and second portions ofthe hinge structure form a hinge when coupled such that the expansionmodule is rotatable about the hinge. A first electrical connectorpositioned near an edge of the camera body opposite the first portion ofthe hinge structure detachably couples to a second reciprocal electricalconnector positioned near an edge of the expansion module opposite thesecond portion of the hinge structure. The first and second electricalconnector electrically couple the camera and the expansion module whencoupled to facilitate data communication between the camera and theexpansion module for executing the camera function.

Camera System Configuration

A camera system includes a camera housing with an embedded expansionmodule for providing one or more expanded features to an existingcamera. It is noted that the camera can be configured as a still picturecamera or a moving picture camera (e.g., video). FIGS. 1a-c illustratevarious views of the camera system in accordance with one embodiment.The camera system includes, among other components, a first housingportion 102 and a second housing portion 140 (i.e. door 140),collectively referenced herein as housing 100. In one embodiment, thefirst housing portion 102 includes a front face with four sides (i.e. atop side, bottom side, left side, and right side) structured to form acavity that receives a camera 110 (e.g. a still camera or video camera).A second housing portion 140 (or door 140) detachably couples with thefirst housing portion 102 opposite the front face of the first housingportion. The first housing portion 102 and second housing portion 140are collectively structured to enclose the camera 110 within the cavitywhen the second housing portion 140 is secured to the first housingportion 102 in a closed position.

The camera housing 100 encloses and protects the camera 110. The camerahousing 100 is particularly advantageous when using the camera 110during periods of physical activity when the camera 110 may besusceptible to damage. For example, without the housing 100, the camera110 may become scratched or otherwise damaged when used during physicalactivity. The camera 110 is removable from the housing 100 so that ifthe housing 100 becomes scratched or damaged, it can be easily replacedat a much lower cost than replacing the camera 110 itself

In one embodiment, the camera 110 (and camera housing 100) has a smallform factor (e.g., a height of approximately 4 to 6 centimeters, a widthof approximately 5 to 7 centimeters, and a depth of approximately 2 to 4centimeters), and is lightweight (e.g., approximately 50 to 150 grams).The camera housing 100 can be rigid (or substantially rigid) (e.g.,plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc.) or pliable (or substantially pliable)(e.g., leather, vinyl, neoprene, etc.). In one embodiment, the camerahousing 100 may be appropriately configured for use in various elements.For example, the camera housing 100 may comprise a waterproof enclosurethat protects the camera 110 from water when used, for example, whilesurfing or scuba diving.

Portions of the camera housing 100 may include exposed areas to allow auser to manipulate buttons on the camera 110 that are associated withthe camera functionality. Alternatively, such areas may be covered witha pliable material to allow the user to manipulate the buttons throughthe camera housing 100. For example, in one embodiment the top face ofthe camera housing 100 includes an outer shutter button 112 structuredso that a shutter button of the camera 110 is substantially aligned withthe outer shutter button when the camera 110 is secured within thecamera housing 100. The shutter button of the camera 110 isoperationally coupled to the outer shutter button 112 so that pressingthe outer shutter button 112 allows the user to operate the camerashutter button. In one embodiment, the front face of the camera housing100 includes a lens window 104 structured so that a lens of the camera110 is substantially aligned with the lens windows 104 when the camera110 is secured within the camera housing 100. The lens window 104 can beadapted for use with either conventional lens of the camera 110, a wideangle lens, or any other specialized camera lens. In one embodiment, thelens window 104 and/or lens of the camera 110 is removeably attachableto the first portion of the camera housing 102 and comprises a thirdportion of the housing 100. In this embodiment, the lens window 104comprises a waterproof seal so as to maintain the waterproof aspect ofthe housing 100. Alternatively, the lens window 104 is permanently fixedto the housing portion 102.

In one embodiment, the camera housing 100 includes one or more securingstructures 120 for securing the camera housing 100 to one of a varietyof mounting devices. For example, in one embodiment the camera housing100 can be secured to a wrist strap that secures the camera to a user'swrist. An example of such a camera system is described in U.S. Pat. No.6,955,484 entitled “Harness System for Attaching Camera to User” toNicholas Woodman, the content of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. In another embodiment, the housing 100 couplesto a helmet mount via the securing structure 120 for mounting the camerato a helmet. In yet another embodiment, a car mount for mounting thecamera to a car couples to the securing structure 120. In yet otherembodiments, other type of mount, strap, or securing devices known tothose of ordinary skill in the art couple to the securing structure 120for securing the camera to various other apparatuses or body parts.

In one embodiment, the second housing portion 140 comprises a door 140(shown in the open position in FIGS. 1a-c ) that allows the camera 110to be removed from the housing 100. The door 140 of the housing 100pivots around a hinge 142 that allows the door 140 to be opened or shut.In one embodiment, a first fastening structure 144 located on the topface of the camera housing 100 detachably couples to a second fasteningstructure 146 on the door 140 of the housing 100. The fasteningstructures 144, 146 secure the door 140 to the first portion 102 of thecamera housing 100 in a closed position when coupled. FIGS. 2a-billustrate embodiments of the camera housing 100 with the door 140secured in the shut position using the fastening structures 144, 146.For example, in one embodiment, the fastening structure 144 comprises ahook-shaped lateral bar and the fastening structure 146 comprises anL-shaped bar. The fastening structure 144 can pivot upwards to allow thedoor 140 to close and can then be pressed down around the fasteningstructure 146 to hold the door 140 in the closed position. In differentembodiments, fastening structures for securing the door 140 can include,for example, a button assembly, a buckle assembly, a clip assembly, ahook and loop assembly, a magnet assembly, a ball and catch assembly,and an adhesive assembly, or any other type of securing mechanism.

In one embodiment, the housing 100 includes a watertight seal so thatthe housing 100 is waterproof when the door 140 is shut. For example, inone embodiment, the door 140 includes a sealing structure positioned onedges of the door 140. The sealing structure provides a watertight sealbetween the first portion of the camera housing 102 and the door 140when the first securing structure 144 on the top face of the camerahousing 100 is coupled to the second securing structure 146 on the topedge of the door 140.

In one embodiment, the door 140 detachably couples from the firsthousing portion 102 at the hinge 142. FIG. 3 illustrates an exampleembodiment of the camera housing 100 with the door 140 uncoupled fromthe first housing portion 102. In one embodiment, an outer hingestructure 152 on the bottom edge of the door 140 detachably couples to ainner hinge structure 154 on the bottom edge of the first housingportion 102 to form the hinge 142. For example, in one embodiment, theouter hinge structure 152 comprises one or more hook-shaped protrusionsstructured to securely fasten to a rod-shaped member of the inner hingestructure 154. Other mechanisms for coupling the door 140 to the housing100 may also be used in various alternative embodiments.

The door 140 of the camera housing 100 has an integrated expansionmodule 130 including a communications interface 132 for communicativelycoupling to the camera 110. The integrated expansion module 130comprises electronics that add one or more functions to the camera 110.The interface 132 facilitates data communication between the integratedexpansion module 130 and a coupling interface 116 of the camera 110 inorder to provide expanded functionality to the camera 110.

In one embodiment, the interface 132 on the housing 100 communicativelycouples to a camera interface 116 commonly available on existing camera110. For example, most digital cameras include an interface fortransferring images and/or video captured by the camera to a PC or otherstorage device. Such an interface also often allows a user to supplyfirmware updates to the camera 110. By applying appropriate firmwareupdates to the camera 110 and/or by receiving and manipulating imagedata retrieved from the camera 110, the integrated expansion module 130can provide the expanded features to the camera 110. In addition, theinterface can be used for various data transfers between the camera andthe expansion module 130 to facilitate a variety of camera functions aswill be described below. In one embodiment, the interfaces 132, 116comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface (e.g., USB A, USB B,mini USB (A or B) or micro USB (A, B or AB)). Alternatively, a differenttype of interface may be used such as, for example, a serial interface,a parallel interface, a FIREWIRE interface, an ETHERNET interface, andso on. In other embodiments, a wireless interface (e.g., BLUETOOTH) maybe used.

In one embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 is removable fromthe door 140 so that different expansion modules 130 providing differentfeatures to the camera can be swapped in and out. Alternatively, theentire door 140 is detachable from the first housing portion 102 (asillustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3) and can be swapped with otherdoors 140 having different expansion modules 130 providing differentfeatures. Examples of different expansion modules for use with thecamera system 100 are described in further detail below.

FIG. 4 illustrated a variety of different types of integrated expansionmodule 130 providing different functions to the camera 110 depending onthe user's needs. According to various embodiments, the integratedexpansion module 130 can comprise one or more of a display module 410, ashot positioning module 420, a wireless module 430, a storage module440, an expansion power supply 450, an audio capture module 460, a dataacquisition module 470, an image processing module 480, a night visionmodule 490, and a expansion input/output (I/O) module 495. An expansionmodule 130 may also comprise a module that includes a combination offunctions (e.g., a storage module 440 and an audio capture module 460enclosed within a single housing portion 140). In a typical use, a usermay have several different types of expansion modules 410-495(collectively referred to as expansion module 130 for ease ofdiscussion) available. The user can then swap in and out the differentexpansion modules 130 depending on the desired functions. Embodiments ofthe camera system 100 using the different types of expansion modules 130(e.g., 410-495) are described in more detail below.

Camera Housing with Display Module

In one embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 of the camerahousing 100 comprises an integrated display module 410 to add displayfunctions to a camera 110 that does not have a built in display. Anexample embodiment of a camera housing 100 with an integrated expansionmodule 130 having a display module 410 illustrated in FIGS. 5a -5 b. Inthis embodiment, the housing 100 includes a display screen 135 (e.g., aLiquid Crystal Display (LCD)) externally viewable from the back of thehousing 100. The display module 410 includes display control logic foradding display functions to the existing camera 110 without a built indisplay. For example, the display module 410 may digitally display theimage currently in view of the camera lens on the display screen 135.This provides the user with a preview image before taking a picture orwhile recording video and allows the user to operate the camera 110without having to peer directly through a viewfinder. Additionally, thedisplay module 410 may allow the user to view previously captured andstored images or video stored on the exterior display screen 135.

Camera Housing with Shot Positioning System

In another embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 of the camerahousing 100 comprises a “shot” (e.g., photo or video shot) positioningmodule 420 configured to assist the user in aligning the camera when theviewfinder or external display is outside the user's view (e.g., whenthe housing 100 is mounted to a helmet). One example embodiment of asystem using the shot positioning module 420 is illustrated in FIG. 6.In this embodiment, the shot positioning module 420 includes acommunication interface that transmits image information from the camera110 to a remote preview screen 604 that can be attached to a user's armor wrist. In one embodiment, the shot positioning module 420 includes awireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth, Radio Frequency (RF), infrared(IR), 801.11a/b/g/n or other wireless protocol) that communicates withthe remote preview screen 504.

The wireless interface transmits the image currently in view of thecamera lens to the remote preview screen 604 for display. In oneembodiment, the shot positioning module 420 communicates with the remotepreview screen 604 via a two-way interface. In this embodiment, theremote preview screen 604 may have control buttons 606 that allow theuser to control various camera operations from the remote preview screen604. Alternatively, the communication interface may be a one-waycommunication such that the remote preview screen 604 only receives anddisplays image information from the camera 110 but does not send anyinformation or controls to the camera 110. In this embodiment, the userstill controls the camera 110 via the built-in camera buttons (e.g., theshutter button 114).

Camera Housing with Wireless Module

In another embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 comprises anintegrated wireless module 430 that adds wireless connectivity to acamera 110 lacking wireless features. The wireless module 430 mayinclude, for example a Bluetooth module, a Radio Frequency (RF)transceiver, an infrared (IR) transceiver, an 802.11a/b/g/n transceiver,or any other wireless device. For example, the wireless module 430 couldbe used to allow the user to wirelessly download stored images and/orvideo from the camera 110 to a personal computer (PC), e.g., a servercomputer, a desktop computer, a laptop, a netbook, or a smartphone.Alternatively, images and/or video can be captured and wirelesslydownloaded in real-time from the camera 110. The wireless module 430 mayalso allow a user to wirelessly control operation of the camera 110. Forexample, if the camera 110 is mounted on a bumper of a car, the usercould remotely control the camera 110 from inside the car via a remotecontrol wirelessly coupled to the wireless module 430.

Camera Housing with Storage Module

In another embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 comprises anintegrated storage module 440. The storage module 440 providesadditional storage space for storing captured images and/or movies. Thestorage module 440 may include any type of volatile or non-volatilememory including random access memories (RAMs), FLASH memory, magneticor optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronicdata. Images or video captured by the camera 110 are transmitted to theintegrated storage module 440 via the communication interface 132.

Camera Housing with Expansion Power Supply

In another embodiment, the expansion module 130 comprises an expansionpower supply 450 for providing power to the camera 110. For example, theexpansion power supply may include an expansion battery that supplementsan internal battery of the camera 110 and provides additional batterylife to the camera 110. In another embodiment, the expansion powersupply 450 can include a solar charger that captures solar energy torecharge a battery. The expansion power supply may also be configured sothat rechargeable batteries providing power to the camera can berecharged through an expansion power supply 450 that comprises aninductive charging element or a capacitive charging element. In the caseof inductive charging, the communication interface 132 may couple with ainductive coil plate that inductively couples with the inductive charger(which has its own coil). In the case of conductive charging, thecommunications interface 132 is configured to receive a discharge from acapacitive power source that is the expansion power supply 450.Alternatively, the expansion power supply 450 couples directly tobattery terminals of the camera 110 rather than coupling via theinterface 132.

Camera Housing with Audio Capture Module

In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 caninclude an audio capture module 460 (e.g., a microphone or an interfacefor an external microphone) to capture and/or store audio data. In thisembodiment, the audio capture module 460 captures audio concurrentlywith the camera 110 capturing video. Alternatively, the audio capturemodule 460 can capture audio alone without any corresponding video.

Camera Housing with Data Acquisition Module

In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 includesa data acquisition module 470 that acquires various data to store inassociation with images or video captured by the camera. For example, inone embodiment, the data acquisition module 130 capture GlobalPositioning System (GPS) data that provide positioning information. Suchpositioning information may be stored together with images and/or videoso that the user can record where the images and/or video were taken.For example, in one embodiment, the GPS module automatically inserts aposition stamp on a captured image or video indicating the location thatthe image or video was captured. Similarly, the data acquisition module470 can include, for example, an accelerometer, altimeter, clock,thermometer, humidity sensor, barometer, heart rate meter, light sensor,and so on. Any of the captured information can be stored withphotographs or video or automatically inserted into the images or videoto provide the user with information relating to the captured scene.

Camera Housing with Image Processing Module

In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 includesan image processing module 480. The image processing module 480 receivesimages and/or video from the camera and performs various imageprocessing functions such as, for example, modifying brightness,contrast, saturation, hue, resolution, aspect ratio, and so on. In oneparticular embodiment, the image processing module converts images orvideos captured in a 4:3 aspect ratio to a image or video 16:9 aspectratio or vice versa. In one embodiment, the image processing module 480includes a digital signal processor (DSP) chipset that is configured to“stretch” pixels gradually starting at a center of a captured image(stretch=0) working outward towards each edge and/or corner of the image(stretch=maximum_set). The number of directions for the stretch can beany integer. However, in one embodiment the number of directions ofstretch are a factor of 2 for a 4 sided picture radiating in oppositedirections from the center of an image. For example, the processingmodule 480 can stretch an image in 2 directions (any two oppositeedges), 4 directions (each edge), 8 directions (each edge and eachcorner) and the like.

In an alternate embodiment, a wide angle lens couples with the camera110 and captures images in 16:9 format and the image processing module480 coverts it into a 4:3 format. In one embodiment the DSP isconfigured so that the captured 16:9 image is cropped into a 4:3 size.Alternately, the DSP is configured so that the pixels are “squeezed”with the maximum squeeze at the edges and corners (squeeze=maximum_set)and the minimum or no squeeze closer to the center of the image(squeeze=0).

Camera Housing with Night Vision Module

In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 caninclude a night vision module 490 to add night vision capabilities to anexisting camera 110. The night vision module 490 may utilize anyconventional night vision technology such as, for example, infrarednight vision, thermal night vision, and so on. In one embodiment, thenight vision module 490 operates with a specialized lens designed fornight vision image and/or video capture.

Camera Housing with Expansion I/O Module

In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module 130 caninclude an expansion input/output (I/O) module 495 that allows otherexternal devices to communicate with the camera 110 through a variety ofpossible interfaces. For example, the expansion I/O module 495 may adaptthe standard communication interface of the camera 110 to be able tocommunicate with external devices via interfaces such as, for example, aUSB interface, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a FIREWIREinterface, an ETHERNET interface, a wireless interface, and so on. Theexternal device can then perform functions such as controlling operationof the camera 110, or acquiring and/or processing data from the camera110.

Additional Embodiments

In other additional embodiments, the door 140 of the camera housing 100can have various shapes and sizes to accommodate cameras 110 ofdifferent thicknesses and shapes. Thus, a user may have a set ofremovable doors 140 that can be swapped in and out depending on the sizeand shape of the camera 110 being used. In some embodiments, the camera110 may also accommodate various expansion modules that attach directlyto the body of the camera, an example of which is described below withreference to FIGS. 8a-b and 9a -b. Thus, various additional embodimentsof the housing door 140 can also be sized and shaped to accommodateexpandable cameras having expansion modules of different sizes andshapes. In one embodiment, a door 140 may have various cut-outs, vents,or other pass-throughs to provide improved cooling to the camera 110and/or better audio capture if the camera 110 is equipped with amicrophone. Thus, a user may swap between a vented camera door or asolid-bodied waterproof back door depending on the circumstances and thetype of camera 110 being used.

The described housing 100 may also be adapted for a wider range ofdevices of varying shapes, sizes and dimensions besides cameras. Forexample, the housing 100 with expansion module 130 may be used to addexpanded features to electronic devices such as cell phones, musicplayers, PDAs, GPS units, or other portable electronic devices.

Expansion Module for Camera Body

In alternative embodiments, an expansion module 730 can couple directlyto a camera body 702 as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. The expansion module730 can be functionally similar to the expansion module 130 describedabove. Although the illustrations show an expansion module 730 with abuilt-in display, the embodiments are not limited to display modules.Rather, the expansion module 730 can be functionally similar to any ofthe various expansion modules described above (i.e. display module 410,shot positioning module 420, wireless module 430, storage module 440,expansion power supply 450, microphone 460, data acquisition module 470,image processing module 480, night vision module 490, and expansion I/Omodule 495). In one embodiment, a user may swap in and out various typesof the expansion module 730 depending on the functionality the userwishes to add the camera.

FIGS. 7a-b illustrate various views of an expansion module 730 detachedfrom a camera body 702 according to this embodiment. The camera body 702includes a shutter button 712, a lens window 704, a first portion of ahinge structure (e.g., hinge groove 764) positioned near an edge of thecamera body 702, and a first portion of the an electrical connector(e.g., electrical groove 774) positioned near an edge of the camera body702 opposite the hinge structure 764. In order to simplify thedescription, other conventional features of the camera body 702 areomitted from the FIGs. and the description that follows. The expansionmodule 730 includes a preview screen 735, an expansion function button752, a second portion of a hinge structure (e.g., hinge connector 762)positioned near an edge of the expansion module 730, and a secondportion of an electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector 772) thatis reciprocal to the first portion of the electrical connector 774 onthe camera body 702, and is positioned near an edge of the expansionmodule 730 opposite the hinge connector 762.

FIGS. 8a-b illustrate various views of the expansion module 730partially coupled to the camera body 702 (i.e. in an open position). Asillustrated, the hinge connector 762 of the expansion module 730detachably couples to the hinge groove 764 of the camera body 702 toform a hinge 780. Once in place, the expansion module 730 is rotatableabout the hinge 780 formed by the hinge connector 762 and hinge groove764. In one embodiment, the hinge connector 762 and hinge groove 764snap together so as to form a secure coupling between the camera body702 and expansion module 730. The electrical connector 772 is adapted tofit snugly into the electrical groove 774 on the camera body 702. Whenconnected, the electrical connector 772 and electrical connection groove774 serve to both secure the expansion module 730 to the camera body andprovide an electrical connection between the expansion module 730 andthe camera body 702.

FIGS. 9a-b illustrate various views of the expansion module 730 fullycoupled to the camera body 702 (i.e. in a closed position). In thisembodiment, the electrical connector 772 is securely connected to theelectrical connection groove 774 to secure the expansion module 730 tothe camera body 702 and to provide an electrical connection between theexpansion module 730 and the camera body 702. The electrical connectionallows for data flow between the camera body 702 and the expansionmodule 730 such as, for example, providing image data to the previewscreen 735 of the expansion module 730. In various alternativeembodiments, the electrical connection may provide for different typesof data flow depending on the specific function of the expansion module730.

It is note that some embodiments described herein have used theexpression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. Itshould be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms foreach other. For example, some embodiments may be described using theterm “connected” to indicate that two or more elements are in directphysical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, someembodiments may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate thattwo or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. Theterm “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are notin direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interactwith each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

Likewise, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof,are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the invention. Thisdescription should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meantotherwise.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciatestill additional alternative structural and functional designs for acamera expansion module as disclosed from the principles herein. Thus,while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated anddescribed, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are notlimited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein.Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent tothose skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation anddetails of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A camera expansion device, comprising: ahousing including a fastening structure configured to removably securethe housing to an imaging device; an expansion module disposed withinthe housing, the expansion module configured to expand functionality ofthe imaging device; a cavity formed by sides of the housing, the cavityconfigured to receive and secure a surface of the imaging device withinthe housing; and an interface positioned near an edge of the cavity, theinterface configured to facilitate data communications between thecamera expansion device and the imaging device.
 2. The camera expansiondevice of claim 1, wherein the fastening structure snaps together with acorresponding fastening structure of the imaging device.
 3. The cameraexpansion device of claim 1, wherein the interface facilitates the datacommunications when the interface is removably coupled to acorresponding interface of the imaging device.
 4. The camera expansiondevice of claim 1, wherein the interface is an electrical connector. 5.The camera expansion device of claim 4, wherein the electrical connectorcomprises an expansion interface cable.
 6. The camera expansion deviceof claim 1, wherein the interface is one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB)interface, a mini USB, a micro USB, a serial interface, a parallelinterface, a Firewire interface, an Ethernet interface, a wirelessinterface, or a Bluetooth interface.
 7. The camera expansion device ofclaim 1, wherein the expansion module includes any of a power supply, adisplay screen, a shot positioning module, a wireless module, a storagemodule, an audio capture module, a data acquisition module, an imageprocessing module, a night vision module, and an expansion input/output(I/O) module.
 8. The camera expansion device of claim 7, wherein thedata acquisition module includes any of an accelerometer, an altimeter,a clock, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, a barometer, a heart ratemeter, and a light sensor.
 9. The camera expansion device of claim 7,wherein the data acquisition module captures information associated withcaptured media and stores the information within the captured media. 10.The camera expansion device of claim 9, wherein the data acquisitionmodule captures GPS data to automatically insert a position stamp on thecaptured media, the position stamp indicating a location associated withthe captured media.
 11. The camera expansion device of claim 1, furthercomprising: an expansion function button.
 12. A camera system,comprising: a modular display-less imaging device, comprising: a lens, aprocessor, and a connector; a camera expansion device configured toremovably couple to the modular display-less imaging device in a firstconfiguration enabling a first set of camera functionality, the cameraexpansion device comprising: a housing, a storage module disposed in thehousing, the storage module configured to provide additional storagespace for storing captured images, video, or images and video, an audiocapture module disposed in the housing, the audio capture moduleconfigured to capture, store, or capture and store audio data, a cavitywithin the housing, the cavity configured to receive the connector ofthe modular display-less imaging device, and an interface within thecavity; and a mounting device configured to removably couple to themodular display-less imaging device in a second configuration enabling asecond set of camera functionality.
 13. The camera system of claim 12,wherein when the cavity receives the connector, the modular display-lessimaging device is substantially flush with the camera expansion device.14. The camera system of claim 12, wherein the interface is configuredto facilitate data communications between the camera expansion deviceand the modular display-less imaging device when the interface isremovably coupled to a corresponding interface of the modulardisplay-less imaging device.
 15. A camera system, comprising: a modulardisplay-less imaging device, comprising: a lens, a processor, and aconnector; a first camera expansion device configured to removablycouple to the modular display-less imaging device in a firstconfiguration enabling a first set of camera functionality, the firstcamera expansion device comprising: a first housing, a display on asurface of the first housing, the display configured to add displayfunctions to the modular display-less imaging device, a first cavitywithin the first housing, the first cavity configured to receive theconnector of the modular display-less imaging device, and a firstinterface within the first cavity; and a second camera expansion deviceconfigured to removably couple to the modular display-less imagingdevice in a second configuration enabling a second set of camerafunctionality, the second camera expansion device comprising: a secondhousing, a power supply disposed in the second housing, the power supplyconfigured to power the modular display-less imaging device, a secondcavity within the second housing, the second cavity configured toreceive the connector of the modular display-less imaging device, and asecond interface within the second cavity.
 16. The camera system ofclaim 15, wherein the first set of camera functionality and the secondset of camera functionality enable at least one different functionality.17. The camera system of claim 15, wherein the modular display-lessimaging device is configured to mount to a vehicle in a first mountableconfiguration, further wherein the modular display-less imaging deviceis configured to mount to one of a user's body, garment, or other userapparatus in a second mountable configuration.
 18. The camera system ofclaim 15, wherein a user can interchange the first camera expansiondevice with the second camera expansion device to enable the second setof camera functionality after using the first set of camerafunctionality.
 19. The camera system of claim 15, wherein the dataacquisition module records data associated with media content and storesthe data within the media content to provide a user with informationassociated with a captured scene.